The Adventure Program offers a variety of bold activities and services for those wanting to try new things, explore new places, and build their knowledge of the world. Whether you go on a trip or workshop, climb the top rope or bouldering walls, utilize our equipment for rent, or just need a bike repair, you have the ability to make it your own at Iowa State University.

At the current time paddle sport rentals including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards have been suspended.   

  • A women reaching for a hold on the State Gym climbing wall

    Climbing Walls

    Recreation Services at Iowa State University has climbing walls at State Gym and Lied Rec Center. Top Rope wall is open when staff is there to supervise while Bouldering walls open anytime facilities are open.

    Top-Rope at State Gym is available with all needed equipment available on-site, free of charge. 

  • Biking

    Equipment Rental

    Equipment rental is available at the Adventure Program desk in State Gym. Equipment rental is available for a small fee and is open to both Recreation Services members and non-members.

    Equipment available for rent includes camping supplies, game equipment like sports balls and nets, bicycles, and climbing equipment. 

  • Bicycle maintenance at Recreation Services

    Bike Maintenance

    If you're in need of a brake adjustment, quick tune, or are wanting a safety inspection on your bike, the Adventure Program has you covered. Book an appointment and bring your bike in today so you can get back to your adventure!

Trips and Workshops

Explore the beautiful vistas the United States has to offer with an Adventure Program trip, or hone your outdoor skills with a workshop.

Trips include transportation, food at the destination, technical equipment, logistics and reservations, and a trip leader to plan and manage the trip. Hiking, kayaking, biking, and camping trips are available at various destinations throughout the United States. Trips range in length from a day trip to a week or more.

Spring 2026 Trips and Workshops

Trip Name Start Date End Date Time Total Days Category
XC Skiing Clinic2/3/20262/3/20262:00pm-4:30pm1XC Skiing
Winona MN Ice Climbing2/6/20262/7/2026NA2Ice Climbing
XC Skiing Clinic2/10/20262/10/20262:00pm-4:30pm1XC Skiing
Day Downhill Skiing Adventure Boone2/15/20262/15/202610:00am - 4:00pm1Down Hill Skiing
XC Skiing Clinic2/17/20262/17/20262:00pm-4:30pm1XC Skiing
XC Skiing Clinic2/24/20262/24/20262:00pm-4:30pm1XC Skiing
Boulder Bash Bouldering Competition3/7/20263/7/20268:00am-4:00pm1Climbing
Intro to Outdoor Climbing Horseshoe Canyon Ranch3/14/20263/19/2026NA6Climbing
Wilderness First Responder Certification Course3/15/20263/19/2026Daily Times TBD6+ Pre WorkWFR Certification Course
Green River Utah Labyrinth Canyon Canoeing3/14/20263/21/2026NA9Canoeing
Outdoor Cooking Clinic3/25/20263/25/20265:00pm-7:30pm1Cooking
Horse Back Riding at Riverside4/11/20264/11/20268:30am-2:00pm1Horseback Riding
Red Wing Minnesota Climbing4/17/20264/19/2026NA3Climbing
Intro to Caving Eastern Iowa Day Trip4/19/20264/19/20267:30am - 7:30pm1Caving
Intro to Backpacking Yellow River State Forest Iowa4/25/20264/26/2026NA2Backpacking
Mountain Biking Basics4/26/20264/26/20269:00am - 4:00pm1Mountain Biking
Des Moines River Canoe Day Trip4/28/20264/28/20262:00pm-6:00pm1Kayaking
Rock 1 Top Rope Belaying Clinic2/12/20262/12/20266:00pm-8:00pm1Climbing
Rock 2 Lead Climbing Clinic2/21/20262/21/202610:00am-2:00pm1+ Pre WorkClimbing
Rock 1 Top Rope Belaying Clinic3/10/20263/10/20266:00pm-8:00pm1Climbing
Rock 1 Top Rope Belaying Clinic4/14/20264/14/20266:00pm-8:00pm1Climbing
Rock 1 Top Rope Belaying Clinic4/2/20264/2/20266:00pm-8:00pm1Climbing
Rock 1 Top Rope Belaying Clinic4/30/20264/30/20266:00pm-8:00pm1Climbing